Electronic lighting device and method for manufacturing same

ABSTRACT

An electronic lighting device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The electronic lighting device may comprise a core, which may comprises an enclosure, a light-emitting element, a flame sheet and a swing mechanism. The flame sheet is movably supported or suspended on the enclosure, and may comprise an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape. The upper sheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure. The light-emitting element may be installed on the enclosure. A light outgoing direction of the light-emitting element may be intersected with the surface of the upper sheet so that the light of the light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the upper sheet. The swing mechanism is disposed beneath the flame sheet and can apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flame sheet to sway or swing. By the present application, a visual experience of true fire can be achieved and an interestedness and appreciation can be improved.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of currently pendingU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/588,507, filed Jan. 2, 2015,entitled “Electronic Lighting Device and Method for Manufacturing Same,”which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/161,143,filed Jan. 22, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,926,137, entitled “ElectronicLighting Device and Method for Manufacturing Same,” which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/325,754, filed Dec.14, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,789,986, entitled “Electronic LighingDevice and Method for Manufacturing Same,” which is acontinuation-in-part of International PCT Patent Application No.PCT/CN2011/076449, filed Jun. 27, 2011, which claims priority to ChinesePatent Application No. 201010211402.8, filed Jun. 28, 2010, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to an electronic lighting device.

BACKGROUND

In our daily life, various electronic lighting devices are widelyapplied to toys, home decoration products and gifts. For instance,candles, kerosene lamps and so on are originally used as lamps forillumination. However, people are no longer concerned about theillumination function of candles and kerosene lamps as electrical lightsources are used commonly. The candles and kerosene lamps are thus usedfor interestedness or appreciation rather than illumination. Recently,various electronic lighting devices, such as electronic flashingcandles, electronic candles, simulated candles and simulated kerosenelamps and the like, emerge as required. Lighting parts of suchelectronic lighting devices try to simulate lighting patterns of candlesor kerosene lamps, namely, to simulate flashing and flickering flames ofcandles or kerosene lamps. However, compared with the flames of candlesor kerosene lamps, the lighting parts of the electronic lighting devicesare quite different and have not enough realistic visual effect.

For instance, a type of electronic candle is disclosed in a Chineseapplication No. 200520035772.5, titled “Electronic Simulated FlashingCandle”. The electronic candle comprises a flame shell shaped as trueflames, LED elements disposed in the flame shell, and a control circuit.The control circuit controls lighting sequences of the LED elements suchthat the LED elements flash on and off. As a result, a visual experienceof winkling and jumping light is given by the electronic candle and thusthe interestedness or appreciation of the electronic candle is enhanced.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present application is to provide an electroniclighting device for simulating true fire and a method for manufacturingthe same to simulate true fire with an enhanced visual experience.

According to an aspect of the present application, an electroniclighting device comprising a core is provided. The core may comprise: anenclosure provided with a through hole on a top thereof; a flame sheetmovably supported or suspended on the enclosure, wherein the flame sheetcomprises an upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape, and the uppersheet is configured to expose above the top of the enclosure through thethrough hole of the enclosure; a light-emitting element installed on asidewall of the enclosure such that an outgoing direction of a lightfrom the light-emitting element is inclined upward and passing throughthe through hole of the enclosure, wherein the outgoing direction isintersected with a surface of the upper sheet, so that the light fromthe light-emitting element is projected on the surface of the uppersheet; and a swing mechanism disposed beneath the flame sheet, whereinthe swing mechanism is configured to apply a force on the flame sheet toactuate the flame sheet to sway or swing.

According to another aspect of the present application, a method formanufacturing an electronic lighting device is provided. The method maycomprises: suspending a flame sheet on an enclosure, wherein the flamesheet comprises a upper sheet which is of a flame-like shape and exposedabove a top of the enclosure; installing a light-emitting element on asidewall of the enclosure such that an outgoing direction of a lightfrom the light-emitting element is inclined upward and passing through athrough hole of the enclosure to be intersected with a surface of theupper sheet, so that the light from the light-emitting element isprojected on the surface of the upper sheet; and disposing a swingmechanism beneath the flame sheet, wherein the swing mechanism isconfigured to apply a force on the flame sheet to actuate the flamesheet to sway or swing.

In the present application, by the cooperation of the flame sheet withthe light projected thereon, the flame sheet may sway or swing under theaction of its own gravity and the swing mechanism. The light given offby the light-emitting element is projected on the flame sheet and lookslike a true flickering flame so that the flame simulated by the lightingdevice is closer to the wick flame of the traditional lighting devicesuch as a candle, a kerosene lamp and the like. In the case where thedevice according to the present application is applied to electronicproducts, such as electronic candles or simulated kerosene lamps and thelike, it further improves the visual experience of the electronicproducts and provides the electronic products with enhancedinterestedness and appreciation.

In some embodiments, since the swing mechanism in the device of thepresent application uses a magnetic mechanism, the flame sheet maintainsto sway randomly or disorderly in use, so that the light projected onthe flame sheet keeps flickering and looks like a true flame.

In some embodiments, in the device of the present application, the lightgiven off by the light-emitting element has an emission angle within aspecific range, so that the light is assured to be projected on theflame sheet, and thus the visual effect of simulating true fire isassured.

In some embodiments, the shell is simulated in to a traditional candlein shape, so that the device of the present application is closer to thetraditional candle in visual effect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an appearance of an electronic candleaccording to a first embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of the electroniccandle according to the first embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 3 is an exposed view schematically showing the structure of theelectronic candle according to the first embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a structure of a core of theelectronic candle according to the first embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 5 is an exposed view schematically showing the structure of thecore of the electronic candle according to the first embodiment of thepresent application;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a structure of a flame sheet of theelectronic candle according to the first embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a circuit part of the electroniccandle according to the first embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an electroniccandle according to a second embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 9 is an exposed view schematically showing a structure of a core ofan electronic candle according to a third embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a circuit part of the electroniccandle according to the third embodiment of the present application;

FIG. 11 is an exposed view schematically showing a structure of a coreof an electronic candle according to a fourth embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 12 is an exposed view schematically showing a structure of a coreof an electronic candle according to a fifth embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 13 is an exposed view schematically showing a structure of a coreof an electronic candle according to a sixth embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a structure of a flame sheet of theelectronic candle according to the seventh embodiment of the presentapplication;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryelectronic candle implementing multiple light emitting elements.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements directed to both sides of a flamesheet.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements and emitting different color lights.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements for emitting light onto a non-movingflame sheet.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements directed to both sides of a non-movingflame sheet.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements and emitting different color lights foremitting light onto a non-moving flame sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, a detailed description of the present application will begiven by specific embodiments and with reference to the appendeddrawings.

Embodiment 1

In particular, the present application provides an electronic candle,with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing theappearance of the electronic candle according to the first embodiment.The electronic candle, which is shaped as a true candle, comprises: ashell 1, a casing 2 sleeved within the shell 1, a core 3 and a base 4installed within the casing 2. The casing 2 is provided with a throughhole at the top-center. A flame sheet is arranged in the through hole. Aportion of the flame sheet which protrudes outsides through the throughhole is shaped as a flame of a burning candle. The light emitted from alight-emitting element which is disposed on the core 3 is projected, atan angle, onto the portion of the flame sheet which protrudes outsidesthrough the through hole. Further, the flame sheet may sway freely underthe action of natural winds or a swing mechanism arranged within thecore 3. In this way, the flame simulated by the electronic candle, whenviewed from a distance, flickers like that of a true candle, as if it isa perfectly realistic flame, and thus can be scarcely distinguished fromthe true one.

As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the core 3 comprises an enclosure, a flamesheet 31, a LED light 33 and a swing mechanism. The enclosure comprisesleft and right caps 38 and 38′ having symmetrical shapes with eachother. A cylindrical cavity is formed when the left and right caps 38and 38′ are arranged to engage with each other. Each of the left andright caps 38 and 38′ has a semicircular notch on the top, such that acircular opening 380 is formed on the top of the cavity by thesemicircular notches when the left and right caps 38 and 38′ arearranged to engage with each other. The left and right caps 38 and 38′have respective left and right notches 381 and 381′ on the upperportions of their sidewalls. The left and right notches 381 and 381′ areconcaved inwardly and inclined at a certain angle with respect to thesidewalls in such a way that an installation location for the LED light,which inclines toward and communicates with the opening 380, is formedby the left and right notches 381 and 381′ when the left and right caps38 and 38′ are arranged to engage with each other. The LED light 33 isthen installed at this installation location such that an angle betweena longitudinal central axis of the LED light 33 and that of the cavityis about 35 degree. Moreover, the LED light 33 may be a LED elementemitting concentrated light with a relatively narrow emission angle(7-10 degree). Further, combined with an appropriate area of an uppersheet 311 of the flame sheet 31, it can be assured that light emittedfrom the LED light 33 is maintained to be projected onto the surface ofthe flame sheet 31. As a result, light beams are increased in brightnessand form an elliptical light spot on the surface of the flame sheet 31,so that the flame sheet 31 looks more like a flame of a true candle inshape.

With reference to FIG. 6, the flame sheet 31 is of sheet type, andprovided with a through hole 310 at the middle part. The flame sheet 31is divided, by the through hole 310, into a upper sheet 311 shaped as aflame of a burning candle and a lower sheet 312. The lower sheet 312 hasa counterweight slightly heavier than that of the upper sheet 311, sothat the flame sheet 31 is vertically suspended in a free state (underthe action of its own gravity without any external force). A supportingrod 32 passes through the through hole 310 and spans across the opening380 of the core's cavity. The supporting rod 32 is V-shaped anddepressed slightly at the middle so that the flame sheet 31 is suspendedsteadily at the lowest point of the supporting rod 32 since the lowersheet 312 has a counterweight slightly heavier than that of the uppersheet 311. It is easier for the flame sheet suspended vertically in afree state (under the action of its own gravity without any externalforce) to sway randomly under the action of an external force. In thisway, the supporting rod 32 spanning across the opening 380 of the core'scavity may enable the flame sheet 31 to sway randomly under the actionof an external force, such as natural winds. However, the supporting rod32 may maintain a relatively fixed position relationship between theupper sheet 311 of the flame sheet 31 and the light outgoing directionof the LED light 33 such that the light from the LED light 33 can beprojected onto the surface of the upper sheet 311 of the flame sheet 31.Since the flame sheet 31 is manufactured by a semitransparent material,a portion of the light can emerge from the back of the flame sheet 31when the light is projected onto the flame sheet 31. In order to improvethe effect of simulating a true candle's flame, a wire is embedded inthe flame sheet 31 at the bottom of the upper sheet 311 to simulate acandlewick. In the case where the wire is irradiated by the light of theLED light 33 projected on the upper sheet 311, as if there is acandlewick within a flame, such that the flame sheet 31 is more like theflame of a true burning candle in visual effect. In addition, since thesupporting rod 32 is irradiated by the LED light 33, a shadow of thesupporting rod 32 is formed on the surface of the upper sheet of theflame sheet 31 and may also look like the candlewick.

The tubular shell 1 is manufactured by a transparent or semitransparentmaterial, such as PVC. The shell 1 comprises a tubular sidewall and adiaphragm plate 10 intersected with the tubular sidewall. A through holeis provided at the middle of the diaphragm plate 10, from which theupper sheet 311 of the flame sheet 31 protrudes outsides. In order tosimulate irregular wax melting when a candle is burning, a portion ofthe shell's sidewall above the diaphragm plate 10 is formed to have anirregular end face. For example, the sidewall may be lower in front andhigher behind. The surfaces of the shell's sidewall and the diaphragmplate 10 are coated with candle wax, such that the electronic candlelooks more like a true candle. The upper sheet 311 of the flame sheet 31protrudes outsides through the through hole of the diaphragm plate 10,with its front surface (the surface projected by the light) facing alower point of the sidewall and its back surface obscured by a highersidewall of the shell. In this way, a user is guided to dispose theelectronic candle at a preferable angle to appreciate the “candlelight”, that is to say, the electronic candle is viewed from the frontsurface of the upper sheet 311 of the flame sheet 31 and from the lowerpoint of the sidewall. Accordingly, the effect for simulating a truecandle by the electronic candle according to the first embodiment can beimproved.

In order to assure the effect of swaying of the flame sheet, the core isprovided with a swing mechanism which maintains to act on the flamesheet directly or indirectly with a force such that the flame sheetmaintains to sway or swing. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the swingmechanism in the embodiment uses a magnetic mechanism comprising a setof magnets 39, a linkage sheet 35, a linkage rod 34 and a coil 37. Theset of magnets 39 comprises a first magnet, a second magnet and a thirdmagnet. The linkage rod 34 is movably threaded through the linkage sheet35, and arranged to span across the core's cavity. The linkage rod 34 isV-shaped, and depressed slightly at the middle so that the linkage sheet35 is positioned at the lowest point at the middle of the linkage rod34. The linkage sheet 35 may be suspended freely in the core's cavitywithout any external force. The second and third magnets are adhered toor embedded into the upper and lower ends of the linkage sheet 35,respectively. The first magnet is adhered to or embedded into the lowerend of the flame sheet 31. A magnetic pole of the first magnet facingthe second magnet has a polarity opposite or same to that of a magneticpole of the second magnet at the upper end of the linkage sheet 35facing the first magnet, that is to say, they may attract or repel eachother. The coil 37 is fastened onto a PCB subboard through a snap ring36, and disposed beneath the lower end of the linkage sheet 35 so as tobe opposite to the third magnet at the lower end of the linkage sheet35.

The operation principle on the swaying or swinging of the flame sheet 31is illustrated below. Firstly, an oscillation is output through acontrol circuit. When powered on, the coil 37 then produces a magneticfield which is opposite to the polarity of the magnet pole of the thirdmagnet at the lower end of the linkage sheet 35 facing the coil so thatthe coil 37 and the third magnet at the lower end of the linkage sheet35 repel each other. As a result, the linkage sheet 35 sways toward oneside. Moreover, since the second magnet at the upper end of the linkagesheet 35 and the first magnet at the lower end of the flame sheet 31attract or repel each other, the flame sheet 31 sways. When the coil 37is powered off, the flame sheet 31 freely falls down under the action ofits own gravity, and continues to sway in an opposite direction under aninertia potential energy until the coil 37 is powered on again. Then theinertial motion of the flame sheet 31 is changed by the magnetic forceof the coil 37 via the linkage sheet 35, and a next sway cycle begins.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the base 4 comprises a battery tray 41, abattery cover 42, a PCB mainboard 43 and pieces of battery shrapnel 44.The pieces of battery shrapnel 44 are installed on the battery tray 41to form a battery chamber for accommodating batteries 45. The PCBmainboard 43 is installed on the battery tray 41 and arranged at oneside of the battery chamber. The control circuit and a power switch arearranged on the PCB mainboard 43. The PCB mainboard 43 is electricallyconnected, via wires, with the LED light 33, the PCB subboard installedwith the coil 37, and the pieces of batter shrapnel. The battery cover42 is arranged at the bottom of the battery tray 41 and can be removedto enable the displacement of the batteries in the battery chamber. Thecore 3 is installed on the base 4, wherein the PCB subboard installedwith the coil 37 is electrically connected with the PCB mainboard 43.The circumference of the battery stray 41 and the bottom of the casing 2may be snapped together, or may be threaded with each other through abolt. The casing 2 is a hollow cylinder, the external diameter of whichis equal to or slightly larger than the internal diameter of the shell 1so as to be tightly fitted into the shell 1. The casing 2 is providedwith a through hole on the top, which is used for mating with the core3. When the core 3 is received within the casing 2, the upper sheet 311of the flame sheet 31 is exposed out of the casing 2 through thecasing's through hole.

FIG. 7 is a circuit schematic diagram of the embodiment. The operationprinciple of the electronic candle according to the embodiment isillustrated below with reference to FIG. 7.

In the power source part, the energy provided by the batteries istransferred, via a switch SW1, to an input pin of a boost converter U1,then into a boost circuit consisting of components such as a fifthcapacitor C5, a second inductor L2, the boost converter U1, a thirdcapacitor C3 and an eighth resistor R8. A stable voltage of 3.3V is thenoutput from a fifth pin of the boost converter U1 to be supplied to amicroprocessor U2, a LED light LED1 (expressed as the LED light 33 inthe structure described above, using a warm white light similar to truefire in color) and a coil L1.

In the case where the switch SW1 is closed such that the circuit ispowered by the power source part, the microprocessor U2 starts to workupon receiving a 3.3-volt voltage. When a voltage at a fifth pin (PB1)of the microprocessor U2 is above 1.82-volt, the microprocessor U2controls an eighth pin (PWM/PCO) to output a square wave pulse of 40 mson and 630 off. A MOS transistor Q1 and the coil L1 are controlledthrough the square wave pulse to oscillate so as to produce a magneticfield. In the case that the magnetic field produced by the magnet at thelower end of the linkage sheet 35 is the same as that produced by thecoil (both are N poles or S poles), the coil repels the magnet. Themagnet then brings the linkage sheet 35 to sway toward left or right.Further, in the case that the magnetic field produced by the magnet atthe upper end of the linkage sheet 35 is opposite to that produced bythe magnet at the lower end of the flame sheet 31, the linkage 35 drivesthe flame sheet 31 to sway toward right or left since the linkage sheet35 and the flame sheet 31 are arranged to be a distance from each other.Meanwhile, the microprocessor U2 controls a third pin (PB3) to output ahigh level so as to supply about a 0.6-volt voltage to the base of atriode Q2 via a resistor R10. Once the triode Q2 is turned on, the LEDlight LED1 is lighted. Then the light is projected onto the flame sheetat an angle of 35 degree. Under the action of the coil, the flame sheet,as viewed from a distance, is very similar to that of a burning candle.The optimum viewing distance is farther than 1 m from the electroniccandle, the viewing angle being smaller than 120 degree.

The work of circuit in the case where the switch is switched such thatthe circuit is controlled by a timer and a first pin (PA3) of themicroprocessor U2 is at a low level is illustrated below. On one hand,the microprocessor U2 controls the eighth pin (PWM/PCO) to output asquare wave pulse of 40 ins on and 630 ins off after halting for 500 ms.The MOS transistor Q1 and the coil are controlled through the squarewave pulse to oscillate so as to produce a magnetic field. In the casethat the magnetic field produced by the magnet at the lower end of thelinkage sheet 35 is the same as that produced by the coil (both are Npoles or S poles), the coil repels the magnet. The magnet then bringsthe linkage sheet 35 to sway toward left or right. Further, in the casethat the magnet at the upper end of the linkage sheet 35 produce amagnetic field which is opposite to that produced by the magnet at thelower end of the flame sheet 31, the linkage sheet 35 drives the flamesheet 31 to sway toward right or left since the linkage sheet 35 and theflame sheet 31 are arranged to be a distance from each other. Meanwhile,the microprocessor U2 controls the third pin PB3 to output a high levelafter halting for 500 ins (that is to say, the LED light LED1 blinks foronce) so as to apply about a 0.6-volt voltage to the base of the triodeQ2 via the tenth resistor R10. Once the triode Q2 is turned on, the LEDlight LED1 is lighted. On the other hand, an oscillation circuit, whichconsists of a crystal oscillator X1, a first capacitor C1 and a secondcapacitor C2, provides standard clock information to the microprocessorU2. The timer of the microprocessor U2 starts timing upon the LED lightLED 1 blinks. After 5 hours, the microprocessor U2 will controls theeighth pin (PWM/PCO) and the third pin (PB3) to output a low level, sothat the flame sheet stops swaying and the LED light LED1 goes out.After next 19 hours, the microprocessor U2 controls the eighth pin(PWM/PCO) to output a square wave of 40 ins on and 630 ins off, and thePB3 to output a high level, so that the flame sheet starts to sway andthe LED light LED1 is lighted. In view of the above, the total time of acycle is 24 hours. The circuit can circularly work in this way, untilthe batteries exhaust or the switch is switched into other states.

When the battery voltage is below 1.62 volt, the LED light will go outno matter that the switch is switched such that the circuit is poweredby the power source part or controlled by a timer. Meanwhile, the flamesheet stops swaying, and the control circuit goes to a sleep state. Thecircuit restores to work until the batteries are replaced with new ones.

When the switch is opened, the boost converter U1 and the microprocessorU2 stop working since they are not powered by the batteries. As aresult, the LED light will go out, meanwhile, the flame sheet 31 stopsswaying.

Embodiment 2

With reference to FIG. 8, the swing mechanism according to the firstembodiment is simplified according to the second embodiment. The linkagesheet 35 and components attached thereto, such as the linkage sheet 34and two magnets at both ends thereof, are omitted. Thus, the coil 37 isdisposed adjacent to the lower end of the flame sheet 31. In the casethat the coil 37 produces a magnetic field which is opposite to thatproduced by the magnet at the lower end of the flame sheet 31, the coil37 and the flame sheet 31 repel each other so as to keep the flame sheet31 swaying.

Embodiment 3

In this embodiment, the swing mechanism in the core 3 according to thefirst embodiment is replaced with a swing mechanism according the thirdembodiment. With reference to FIG. 9, the swing mechanism according tothe third embodiment comprises a hanging rope 301, a swing piece 302, arotary block 303, a motor fixed block 304 and a motor 305. The upper endof the hanging rope 301 is hanged to the lower end of the flame sheet31, and the lower end of the hanging rope 301 is connected with theswing piece 302. The motor 305 is fixed within the core's enclosure bythe motor fixed block 304. The rotary block 303 is fixed to the outputshaft of the motor 305. In a natural state (under the action of gravity,without the action of any external force), the swing piece 302 is,depending on its own gravity, hanged to the hanging rope 301 and thenthe lower end of the swing piece 302 contacts with the rotary block 303.When the motor 305 is actuated, the rotary block 303 collides with theswing piece 302 continually. As a result, the swing piece 302 swayscontinually, which makes the flame sheet 31 sway disorderly.

With reference to FIG. 10, a circuit schematic diagram according to theembodiment is shown. The operation of the swing mechanism is performedthrough controlling the rotation of the motor M1 with the eighth pin ofthe microprocessor U2.

Embodiment 4

In the fourth embodiment, the swing mechanism in the core 3 according tothe first embodiment is replaced with a swing mechanism described below.With reference to FIG. 11, the swing mechanism according to the forthembodiment comprises a linkage rod 401, a rotary block 402, a motorfixed block 403 and a motor 404. The middle part of the flame sheet 31is provided with a slot, in which the upper end of the linkage rod 401is stuck. The bottom end of the linkage rod 401 contacts with the outerwall of the rotary block 402. The rotary block 402 has an irregularheight, and is provide with a pan-like cavity at the middle part.Moreover, the sidewall of the pan-like cavity is provided with a tab4021. The lower end of the flame sheet 31 is stretched into the pan-likecavity. In a natural state, the tab 4021 contacts with the lower end ofthe flame sheet 31. The motor 404 is fixed within the enclosure of thecore by the motor fixed block 403. The rotary block 402 is fixedlyconnected to an output shaft of the motor 404. When the motor 404 isactuated and thus the rotary block 402 is forced to rotate, the outerwall of the rotary block 402 will continually collides with the bottomend of the linkage rod 401. As a result, the tab 4021 will continually(or intermittently) collides with the lower end of the flame sheet 31,which makes the flame sheet 31 sway or swing disorderly.

Embodiment 5

In the fifth embodiment, the swing mechanism in the core 3 according tothe first embodiment is replaced with a swing mechanism described below.The swing mechanism according to the fifth embodiment comprises aconnecting piece 501, a rotary block 502, a motor fixed block 503 and amotor 504. The lower end of the flame sheet 31 is provided with asnap-on piece 313, which can be snapped into a receiving piece 5010 ofthe connecting piece 501. The connecting piece 501 is L-shaped. An endof the connecting piece 501 far away from the receiving piece 5010 isprovided with a snap-on piece 5011, which can be snapped into areceiving piece 5020 on the rotary block 502. The motor 504 is fixedwithin the enclosure of the core by the motor fixed block 503. Therotary block 502 is fixedly connected with an output shaft of the motor504, When the motor 504 is actuated, the rotary block 502 brings theconnecting piece 501 to rotate. The connecting piece 501 in turn bringsthe flame sheet 31 to sway.

Embodiment 6

In the sixth embodiment, the swing mechanism in the core 3 according tothe first embodiment is replaced with a fan mechanism described below.With reference to FIG. 13, a fan is fixed within the enclosure of thecore at the bottom of the cavity of the core. The fan comprises a windwheel 601, a motor fixed block 602 and a motor 603. The air outletdirection of the wind wheel 601 is upward. The lower end of the flamesheet 31 is folded at an angle so as to form a baffle 314 which has asurface facing the air outlet direction of wind wheel 601. When the fanis activated, the surface of the baffle 314 of the flame sheet 31 isoriented to be upwind such that the flame sheet 31 continually swaysunder the action of the wind force,

Embodiment 7

As shown in FIG. 14, the electronic candle according to the seventhembodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, except for theupper sheet of the flame sheet. The upper sheet according to the seventhembodiment is slightly curved, which is concaved from one side. Flanks3110 are provided at both sides of the concaved portion. The flanks 3110and the concaved portion together form a depression onto which the lightof the light-emitting element is projected. When the light of thelight-emitting element is projected on the depression, a light spot isformed on the projected surface that is recessed with a certain depthrather than flat or curved. It seems that the depression is full oflight. Further, when the flame sheet sways or swings disorderly, thelight spot simulating a flame produces a stereovision effect.

In view of the above embodiments, all of the electronic candles can bepowered by rechargeable batteries. In addition, a charge control circuitmay be arranged on the PCB mainboard of the base, such that theelectronic candle of the application is rechargeable using aPlug-and-socket charger or a charge seat.

Different Color Lights

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an exemplaryelectronic candle 1500 implementing multiple light emitting elements.The electronic candle 1500 is substantially similar to the electroniccandle in FIG. 8 that includes a single magnet on the bottom of theflame sheet 31 adjacent to the coil 37 for causing the flame sheet 31 tomove in response to an electromagnetic signal generated by the coil. Inthe electronic candle 1500, multiple light emitting elements 33 a and 33b are implemented to further enhance the appearance of a real-life ortrue flame. Two light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b are shown in FIG.15 for illustrative purposes only and the total number of light emittingelements can be more than two. Moreover, multiple light emittingelements can be implemented for any of the electronic candles disclosedin this patent document. Also, while the light emitting elements 33 aand 33 b are shown in a side-by-side configuration, the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b can be disposed in different configurations, suchas top-bottom, diagonal or off-centered, geometric patterns, etc.

The coil 37 is controlled by a control circuitry as previously describedin this patent document to generate the electromagnetic signal thatapplies an electromagnetic field on the magnet 39 disposed at the bottomof the flame sheet 31. The applied electromagnetic field causes theflame sheet 31 having the magnet 39 to move. In addition to controllingthe coil 37, the control circuit also controls the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b. For example, the control circuit can control thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b to blink or flash at any desiredfrequency and duration either in unison or out of phase with each other.In addition, the control circuit can control other properties of thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b including dimness, brightness, andcolor. The control circuit can control any of the properties of thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b independent of each other so thatthe light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b have the same or differentproperties at any given time.

Moreover, the control circuit can control the coil 37 and the lightemitting elements 33 a and 33 b so that the movement of the flame sheet31 and the light emitted onto the flame sheet by the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b are choreographed together to further enhance theappearance of a true flame. Specifically, any one or a combination ofthe properties of the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b can beadjusted based on the movement of the flame sheet as caused by theelectromagnetic signal generated by the coil. For example, thebrightness of the lights can be adjusted based on certain movement ofthe flame sheet 31 that changes the distance, angle, etc. of the flamesheet 31 with respect to the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b.Other properties such as the color or the rate of blinking can besimilarly adjusted choreographed with the control of the coil 37 thatcauses the movement of the flame sheet 31.

In some implementations, the movement of the flame sheet 31 can bechoreographed in response to the various properties of the lightemitting elements 33 a and 33 b. For example, certain levels of thebrightness of the lights can trigger certain movements of the flamesheet 31 that change the distance, angle, etc. of the flame sheet 31with respect to the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b. Certainlevels of other properties such as the color or the rate of blinking cansimilarly cause corresponding control of the coil 37 that causes themovement of the flame sheet 31.

The choreographed control of the coil 37 and the light emitting elements33 a and 33 b by the control circuit can be implemented for any of theelectronic candles disclosed in this patent document.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle 1600implementing multiple light emitting elements directed to both sides ofa flame sheet. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 16, multiplelight emitting elements can be implemented at different locations withinthe shell of the electronic candle 1600 so as to provide the appearanceof true flame on the flame sheet 31 from multiple angles. Two locationsof the light emitting elements 33 a, 33 b, 33 c and 33 d are shown inFIG. 16 for illustrative purpose only, and additional light emittingelements can be disposed at additional locations. The added locations ofadditional light emitting elements can depend on the shape of the flamesheet 31. When a more three-dimensional shape is used for the flameelement rather than a sheet so that the total surface area increasesfrom all angles, additional light emitting elements can be implementedat additional locations to provide near 360 degree view of the trueflame appearance.

In addition, as described with respect to FIG. 16, the control circuitcan choreograph the control of the coil 37 adjacent to the magnet 39 onthe flame sheet 31 with the control of the light emitting elements 33 a,33 b, 33 c, and 33 d. Because the movement of the flame sheet 31 willcause the spatial relationship between the flame sheet 31 and each ofthe different groups of light emitting elements at different locations,the control circuit can adjust the properties of the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b at one location different from the light emittingelements 33 c and 33 d at another location.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle 1700implementing multiple light emitting elements and emitting differentcolor lights. The electronic candle 1700 can be implemented differentcolor lights. Different color lights can be achieved through a number ofmechanisms. In some implementations, different color LEDs can beimplemented for the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b. More than twodifferent LEDs can be implemented at different locations (e.g., similarto FIG. 16) and a combination of any number of the total LEDs can beactivated together to achieve the desired color light.

In some implementations, multiple colored light emitting elements (e.g.,different colored LEDs) can be implemented with each light emittingelement of a particular color directed to different portion of the flamesheet to provide multiple layers of color lights on the flame sheet 31.Also, a combination of different or same colored light emitting elementscan be directed to emit a desired color light at a desired location ofthe flame sheet 31. Such targeted light emission on different portionsof the flame sheet 31 can be achieved by having the control circuitchoreograph the control of the coil 37 adjacent to the magnet 39 and thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b.

In some implementations, light converting materials can be applied tothe light emitting elements as one or more layers 1702 a and 1702 b.Similarly, the light converting materials can be applied to the flamesheet 31 in addition to or instead of the light emitting elements. Thelight converting materials, such as phosphors can convert the lightemitted by the light emitting elements to a desired color. By using acombination of the LED light and the light converting material,different color lights can be achieved. Phosphor particles can be mixedwith a resin material and the mixture applied as the different lightconverting layers 1702 a and 1702 b.

When the light converting material is applied to the flame sheet 31, thelight converting material can be applied in a number of different ways.In some implementations, the light converting material as described inthe previous paragraphs can be applied only at certain portions of theflame sheet 31. For example, the light converting material can beapplied to the edge only, center only, top only, bottom only, or acombination of different portions of the flame sheet 31. Forillustrative purposes, different portions or layers 1704 a, 1704 b, and1704 c are shown on the flame sheet 31. By varying the locations wherethe light converting material is applied, the flame sheet 31 can havedifferent color, brightness, intensity, blinking, or a combination ofthese properties of the light emitted to different layers or portions ofthe flame sheet to further enhance the appearance of a true flame.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements for emitting light onto a non-movingflame sheet. The electronic candle 1800 in FIG. 18 is substantiallysimilar to the electronic candle 1500 of FIG. 15. However, the movableflame sheet 31 is replaced by a stationary, non-movable flame sheet1802. In the electronic candle 1800, multiple light emitting elements 33a and 33 b are implemented to further enhance the appearance of areal-life or true flame. Two light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b areshown in FIG. 15 for illustrative purposes only and the total number oflight emitting elements can be more than two. Moreover, multiple lightemitting elements can be implemented for any of the electronic candlesdisclosed in this patent document. Also, while the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b are shown in a side-by-side configuration, thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b can be disposed in differentconfigurations, such as top-bottom, diagonal or off-centered, geometricpatterns, etc.

The control circuit can control the light emitting elements 33 a and 33b to enhance the appearance of a true flame. For example, the controlcircuit can control the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b to blinkor flash at any desired frequency and duration either in unison or outof phase with each other. In addition, the control circuit can controlother properties of the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b includingdimness, brightness, and color. The control circuit can control any ofthe properties of the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b independentof each other so that the light emitting elements 33 a and 33 b have thesame or different properties at any given time.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements directed to both sides of a non-movingflame sheet. The electronic candle 1900 in FIG. 19 is substantiallysimilar to the electronic candle 1600 of FIG. 16. However, the movableflame sheet 31 is replaced by a stationary, non-movable flame sheet1802. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 19, multiple lightemitting elements can be implemented at different locations within theshell of the electronic candle 1900 so as to provide the appearance oftrue flame on the flame sheet 1802 from multiple angles. Two locationsof the light emitting elements 33 a, 33 b, 33 c and 33 d are shown inFIG. 19 for illustrative purpose only, and additional light emittingelements can be disposed at additional locations. The added locations ofadditional light emitting elements can depend on the shape of the flamesheet 1802. When a more three-dimensional shape is used for the flameelement rather than a sheet so that the total surface area increasesfrom all angles, additional light emitting elements can be implementedat additional locations to provide near 360 degree view of the trueflame appearance.

In addition, the control circuit can adjust the properties of the lightemitting elements 33 a and 33 b at one location different from the lightemitting elements 33 c and 33 d at another location.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an exemplary electronic candle implementingmultiple light emitting elements and emitting different color lights foremitting light onto a non-moving flame sheet. The electronic candle 2000in FIG. 20 is substantially similar to the electronic candle 1700 ofFIG. 17. However, the movable flame sheet 31 is replaced by astationary, non-movable flame sheet 1802.

The electronic candle 1900 can be implemented different color lights.Different color lights can be achieved through a number of mechanisms.In some implementations, different color LEDs can be implemented for thelight emitting elements 33 a and 33 b. More than two different LEDs canbe implemented at different locations (e.g., similar to FIG. 17) and acombination of any number of the total LEDs can be activated together toachieve the desired color light.

In some implementations, multiple colored light emitting elements (e.g.,different colored LEDs) can be implemented with each light emittingelement of a particular color directed to different portion of the flamesheet to provide multiple layers of color lights on the flame sheet1802. Also, a combination of different or same colored light emittingelements can be directed to emit a desired color light at a desiredlocation of the flame sheet 1802. Such targeted light emission ondifferent portions of the flame sheet 1802 can be achieved by having thecontrol circuit control various properties of the light emittingelements 33 a and 33 b.

In some implementations, light converting materials can be applied tothe light emitting elements as one or more layers 1702 a and 1702 b.Similarly, the light converting materials can be applied to the flamesheet 1802 in addition to or instead of the light emitting elements. Thelight converting materials, such as phosphors can convert the lightemitted by the light emitting elements to a desired color. By using acombination of the LED light and the light converting material,different color lights can be achieved. Phosphor particles can be mixedwith a resin material and the mixture applied as the different lightconverting layers 1702 a and 1702 b.

When the light converting material is applied to the flame sheet 1802,the light converting material can be applied in a number of differentways. In some implementations, the light converting material asdescribed in the previous paragraphs can be applied only at certainportions of the flame sheet 1802. For example, the light convertingmaterial can be applied to the edge only, center only, top only, bottomonly, or a combination of different portions of the flame sheet 1802.For illustrative purposes, different portions or layers 1704 a, 1704 b,and 1704 c are shown on the flame sheet 1802. By varying the locationswhere the light converting material is applied, the flame sheet 1802 canhave different color, brightness, intensity, blinking, or a combinationof these properties of the light emitted to different layers or portionsof the flame sheet to further enhance the appearance of a true flame.

The present application is further described in detail with reference toabove specific embodiments, however, may be carried out by otherembodiments than those set forth herein. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that all simple deduces or replacements can also be madewithout departing from the conception of the application, and are deemedto be embraced in the scope of the present application defined by theappended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic lighting device for simulating atrue candle, comprising: an outer shell having a shape to resemble atrue candle, the outer shell structured to form an opening at a topsurface; a core contained within the outer shell, the core shaped toform an opening at a top surface leading to an internal cavity, whereinthe opening of the core is aligned with the opening of the outer shell;a flame component structured to include a top portion, middle portion,and bottom portion, wherein the top portion is shaped to resemble a trueflame; two or more light emitting elements contained entirely within theouter shell and disposed at least partially in a lighting elementinstallation cradle on the core to emit light from within the outershell onto the flame component through the opening of the core at anangle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the light emitting elementsand a longitudinal axis of the electronic lighting device; and a controlcircuit to control the two or more lighting elements to blink at apredetermined rate.
 2. The electronic lighting device of claim 1,wherein the control circuit is configured to control the two or morelighting elements to blink at different rates.
 3. The electroniclighting device of claim 1, wherein the control circuit is configured tocontrol the two or more lighting elements to blink out of phase witheach other.
 4. The electronic lighting device of claim 1, wherein eachof the two or more light emitting elements are configured to emit acorresponding color light.
 5. The electronic lighting device of claim 1,wherein the two or more light emitting elements are configured to emitdifferent color lights.
 6. The electronic lighting device of claim 1,wherein the control circuitry is configured to change a color of lightemitted by at least one of the two or more light emitting elements. 7.The electronic lighting device of claim 1, comprising: a lightconverting material disposed on a surface of at least one of the two ormore light emitting lights.
 8. The electronic lighting device of claim7, wherein the light converting material includes phosphor particles. 9.The electronic lighting device of claim 1, comprising: a lightconverting material disposed on a surface the flame component.
 10. Theelectronic lighting device of claim 9, wherein the light convertingmaterial disposed on the surface the flame component includes phosphorparticles.
 11. The electronic lighting device of claim 1, wherein thelight converting material is disposed on a portion of the surface theflame component.
 12. The electronic lighting device of claim 1, whereinthe light converting material disposed on the surface of the flamecomponent includes different types of light converting materials ondifferent portions of the surface of the flame component.
 13. Theelectronic lighting device of claim 1, wherein the light convertingmaterial disposed on the surface of the flame component includesdifferent concentrations of the light converting material on differentportions of the surface of the flame component.
 14. An electroniclighting device for simulating a true candle, comprising: an outer shellhaving a shape to resemble a true candle, the outer shell structured toform an opening at a top surface; a core contained within the outershell, the core shaped to form an opening at a top surface leading to aninternal cavity, wherein the opening of the core is aligned with theopening of the outer shell; a flame component structured to include atop portion, middle portion, and bottom portion, wherein the top portionis shaped to resemble a true flame, the middle portion includes a hole,and the bottom portion includes a magnet; a support element extendingfrom a surface of the core to suspend the flame component via the holein the middle portion such that the bottom portion of the flamecomponent is contained within the internal cavity of the core and thetop portion of the flame component projects out of the opening, whereinsuspension of the flame component by the support element allows movementof the flame component about the support element; multiple lightemitting elements contained entirely within the outer shell and disposedat least partially in a cradle on the core to emit light from within theouter shell onto the flame component through the opening of the core atan angle; a coil to produce a magnetic field to interact with the magnetto cause movement of the flame component; and a control circuitelectrically coupled to the coil and the multiple light emittingelements to choreograph control of the coil and the multiple lightemitting elements together.
 15. The electronic lighting device of claim14, wherein control circuit is configured to choreograph control of thecoil and the multiple light emitting elements together includingadjusting at least one of brightness, color, or blinking of the multiplelight emitting elements to correspond to a movement of the flamecomponent caused by controlling the coil.
 16. The electronic lightingdevice of claim 14, wherein the control circuit is configured to controlthe two or more lighting elements to blink at different rates.
 17. Theelectronic lighting device of claim 14, wherein the control circuit isconfigured to control the two or more lighting elements to blink out ofphase with each other.
 18. The electronic lighting device of claim 14,wherein each of the two or more light emitting elements are configuredto emit a corresponding color light.
 19. The electronic lighting deviceof claim 14, wherein the two or more light emitting elements areconfigured to emit different color lights.
 20. The electronic lightingdevice of claim 14, wherein the control circuitry is configured tochange a color of light emitted by at least one of the two or more lightemitting elements.
 21. The electronic lighting device of claim 14,comprising: a light converting material disposed on a surface of atleast one of the two or more light emitting lights.
 22. The electroniclighting device of claim 21, wherein the light converting materialincludes phosphor particles.
 23. The electronic lighting device of claim14, comprising: a light converting material disposed on a surface theflame component.
 24. The electronic lighting device of claim 23, whereinthe light converting material disposed on the surface the flamecomponent includes phosphor particles.
 25. The electronic lightingdevice of claim 14, wherein the light converting material is disposed ona portion of the surface the flame component.
 26. The electroniclighting device of claim 14, wherein the light converting materialdisposed on the surface of the flame component includes different typesof light converting materials on different portions of the surface ofthe flame component.
 27. The electronic lighting device of claim 14,wherein the light converting material disposed on the surface of theflame component includes different concentrations of the lightconverting material on different portions of the surface of the flamecomponent.